Crank Up Day returns to Katikati

Club president Larry Williams driving a 102-year-old Mogul at last year’s event. Supplied photo.

With technology sleek, plastic, and eco-friendly these days, there’s a certain charm to older machines from a bygone era.

Fans of vintage tractors and other heavy metal machines can check out some of the engines at the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club’s Crank Up Day this Sunday.

Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club vice-president Eric Green says the annual event is about involving the public and giving them a chance to see machines from the past in action.

One of the attractions will be a tug of war against a small tractor, when people power is put to the test.

“One man can pull the equivalent of four horse power,” says Eric. “So we want some guys to try pulling against a tractor in gear, driving the other way. There’ll be a bit of experimenting to see how many people are needed.”

Other displays on the day will feature cream being separated and butter being churned, as well as older methods of shearing sheep.

Free gig and hay rides will be running, while Katikati Scouts will be looking after the barbecue.

Eric says the club began in the 1990s, and was started by the father of current club president Larry Williams. Despite the name, the club has members from Opotiki to Waihi.

The Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club’s Crank Up Day is on Sunday from 10am at 170 Hot Springs Road. Entry to event is by donation.